Doctor's note: Health as a priority

April 1, 2014 - Andy Flynn

“Andy Flynn has been medically cleared to proceed with his diet and exercise program and to train for the half-marathon as planned.” It was signed by Dr. Elizabeth Buck on Wednesday, March 26.

I was elated! My publisher wanted a doctor’s note before I proceeded with the Lake Placid Half-Marathon training, and I wanted personal assurance as well, so I don’t have a heart attack while walking the streets of Lake Placid or working out in the gym.

There were no problems with the stress test for my heart (a test on a treadmill while covered in wires). Blood tests came out great. I don’t have diabetes or kidney problems. Cholesterol levels were perfect a couple years ago, so I didn’t have those checked out this time. My blood pressure is higher than it should be but not high enough for medication. All in all, I’m healthy enough to get myself to a healthy weight, according to my doctor.

That elation came crashing to the ground less than 24 hours later. I woke up on Thursday with the stomach flu and fought the battle on two fronts (use your imagination) for four days. The sickness stalled my weight-loss efforts until Monday.

While home, I didn’t eat a lot, but I did have salty food (bouillon and soup crackers) and sat in front of the TV and slept for four days. I built up some fluid in my body and probably went into starvation mode because I couldn’t eat much. The first day, for example, I only ate a half cup of sherbet.

I thought I’d lose weight this past week because I ate so little, but I actually gained water weight over four days of inactivity. My weigh-in was 3 pounds heavier than the week before, and I lost a lot of points in the Take It Off weight-loss challenge because of the stomach flu. But I can live with that because it feels good to have normal intestinal health again.

I’m sure I’ll start losing weight again now that I’m back to the world of the living.